But swimming teachers and parenting organisations have said they are seriously concerned about its safety.

They have even gone so far to label the accessory as a 'death trap'.

According to Hull Daily Mail, Kyran Quinlan, an associate professor of pediatrics at Rush University Medical Center in the US, however said the floats "scare me to death" - because of the risk of drowning.

She told WDSU news: "Neck floats for babies scare me to death, and I hope they scare parents.

"These are potential death traps ... To have your precious baby one poorly sealed seam away from going under at the pool is frightening."

The Swimming Teachers Association (STA) and Birthlight, a pregnancy, birth and parenting organisation, issued a grave statement, adding the device could cause undue stress to babies.

Babies can float in the water (Image: Getty)

Kayle Burgham, STA's aquatics manager, said: "While disengaging from the world in floating tanks can be wonderfully relaxing for stressed adults; this is not what babies want or need – physically or emotionally.

"This isolated activity completely goes against the very essence of baby swimming, which is human contact: bonding with your child so they can explore the water in a safe, relaxed, fun environment."